• • Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals

This scientific study evaluates the alignment of the University of Duhok’s (UoD) strategic plan (2023–2038) with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, adopted by the UN in 2015, provide a universal framework for addressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. UoD’s integration of the SDGs into its strategic goals underscores its commitment to global sustainability. This alignment allows UoD to offer holistic education, drive impactful research, enhance community engagement, model sustainability practices, and build international recognition. By embracing the SDGs, UoD not only contributes to regional development but also strengthens its global profile and leadership in sustainable practices, benefiting both local and international communities.

• • Regulatory Framework for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education

The Regulatory Framework for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education Institutions within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG) represents a strategic initiative to elevate the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of higher education institutions in the region. As the higher education landscape rapidly evolves and the demand for skilled graduates grows, a robust regulatory framework is essential to ensure academic standards, promote institutional accountability, and support continuous improvement. This framework provides clear guidelines for accreditation and quality assurance, covering key areas such as academic programs, faculty qualifications, student services, and infrastructure. By systematically evaluating and enhancing these elements, the framework aims to uphold the integrity of higher education, foster excellence in teaching and research, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the KRG. For the University of Duhok (UoD), the framework serves as a foundation to refine its internal processes, ensuring that it meets national and international accreditation standards, thus enhancing its academic standing and institutional credibility. 

• • Analytical Study on Accreditation Assessment Criteria

The accreditation criteria established by the evalag International Programme Accreditation Body, which are based on the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG), provide the framework for evaluating academic programs. This document aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of Part 1 of the ESG and examines how these criteria are applied during the accreditation process. The primary goal of this study is to strengthen the credibility of the University of Duhok's (UoD) Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) system by adopting evalag's assessment criteria as a benchmark.

The study accomplishes several key objectives. It develops an auditing checklist specifically tailored to UoD's context, which can be used for conducting a gap analysis within the institution’s IQA framework. Additionally, the study serves as a guide for internal auditing procedures at UoD, ensuring that the university adheres to established quality standards. The study also provides a structured tool to train the internal auditing team, enhancing their ability to evaluate and improve quality assurance processes.

By aligning with internationally recognised assessment criteria and drawing on UoD’s internal expertise, this study reinforces the university’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement in program accreditation.

• • Student Feedback Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the concept and framework of student feedback in higher education, emphasising both internal and external feedback mechanisms. Internal feedback is gathered from current students to assess and improve aspects of teaching, learning, and support services, while external feedback is sourced from stakeholders such as alumni, employers, and accrediting bodies to evaluate the institution’s overall effectiveness and reputation. By examining both types of feedback, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how diverse perspectives can contribute to continuous improvement and alignment with educational goals, ensuring the institution meets the needs of all stakeholders. 

• • Academic Leadership Evaluation and Assessments

The purpose of this study is to establish a structured framework for assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of academic leadership, focusing on Deans and Heads of Departments. This framework aims to define the roles and responsibilities of academic leaders, set measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and evaluate their impact on student outcomes, faculty/staff management, and achievement of strategic goals. It also seeks to assess financial performance, engagement, and satisfaction under academic leadership while comparing performance against industry benchmarks. The study incorporates peer evaluations and feedback from colleagues and stakeholders, integrating qualitative measures such as leadership style and communication skills to provide a comprehensive evaluation. 

• • Study on Information and Data Security

The document on "Information and Data Security" outlines a comprehensive framework for classifying and managing access to university information based on its sensitivity, ranging from public to confidential. It details the access rights, including public access to restricted levels, and emphasises the duration of these access rights. The framework includes implementing data classification systems, enhancing IT infrastructure, conducting regular security audits, data encryption, and disaster recovery strategies. It highlights training for data protection, maintaining data backups, clear data ownership policies, handling access requests, and legal compliance with GDPR and FERPA. The roles of the Data Governance Team, Information Security Department, and Incident Response Team are essential for enforcing these policies, underscoring the importance of robust data management and security in academic institutions. 

• • Understanding Departmental Structures in Higher Education Institutions

The study explores departmental structures within higher education institutions, focusing on their fundamental role in organizing academic and administrative functions to support university objectives. It highlights the distinction between academic departments, which provide degree programs and courses, and support departments, which offer specialised courses and research support. The document suggests integrating these insights into a guideline for the University of Duhok (UOD), ensuring alignment with the Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) system. Recommendations include establishing clear policies for Programme Management Teams (PMTs), standardising terminology, conducting training for faculty and staff, and implementing regular reviews to maintain relevance. The guidelines aim to enhance collaboration, support external audits, and drive continuous quality improvement. 

• • National Center for Institutional Research

The "National Centre for Institutional Research" document emphasises the need for a robust Institutional Research (IR) framework in Kurdistan's higher education sector to support strategic planning, quality assurance, and evidence-based decision-making. With higher education contributing to economic growth over the past 20 years, the region now faces challenges like limited funding and diverse student needs. IR is crucial for transforming data into actionable insights, ensuring institutional effectiveness, and fostering transparency. International examples show that centralised data coordination improves educational outcomes. The proposal aims to help Kurdish HEIs build data analysis capacities to enhance their strategic operations and demonstrate value for investment. 

• • The UOD Policy Auditing Framework

The "UOD Policy Auditing Framework" aims to create a structured approach for auditing policies at the University of Duhok. Its objectives are to ensure policy compliance, identify and address implementation gaps, provide transparent and consistent enforcement, and enhance policy effectiveness through continuous feedback and improvement. This framework promotes a culture of compliance and accountability within the university. 

• • Development of Msc in Nursing

The IRC at the University of Duhok has re-developed the  Master’s degree programme in alignment with the Bologna Process and ESG standards. This comprehensive programme aims to prepare nurses for leadership roles, including specialist practitioners, consultants, educators, researchers, and administrators. The mission is to produce creative, self-reliant, and socially responsible nurses capable of addressing daily challenges, adapting to limitations, and driving change in the health services sector. The key objectives include training nurses for effective practice in both community and hospital settings, fostering accountability and lifelong learning, and enhancing patient care quality through evidence-based practices. 

• UOD College Progress Report

The UOD College Progress Report form was created to be submitted by the end of July each year in both physical copy and as a Google Drive shared file. Each part includes detailed rules that should be carefully reviewed before completing the report. The report must adhere to the Google Drive template, keeping its functionality. The report format must stay unaltered, with unused paragraphs left blank and clarifying annotations in blue removed once completed. Data accuracy is critical, and new rows can be added to tables as needed, with explanatory comments written beneath the tables. Except for current multi-year projects, the report should only include data pertinent to the academic year in question. 

• Guidelines for designing course descriptions

This guideline for designing course descriptions aligns with ESG standards and serves as a systematic approach to developing academic curriculum components. It details how to define measurable course objectives, establish student learning outcomes, structure course content, and integrate relevant theoretical, lab, and clinical elements. The document also explains the method for calculating course credits per ESG requirements and sets clear passing criteria to ensure academic rigour and consistency. Adhering to these guidelines helps educators create comprehensive course descriptions that enhance student learning, meet accreditation standards, and support student achievement.

• Auditing the UoD Administration processes

The Institutional Research Centre (IRC) launched the Plan Towards the University Administration Improvement (PUAI) project to gather comprehensive data on the administrative structure at the University of Duhok. This project includes reviewing current departmental and staff job descriptions, mapping inter-departmental relationships, and cataloguing records maintained in paper or electronic formats. A key element of the project involved distributing a questionnaire to administrative staff, yielding 37 responses. Participants were instructed to report on current practices, not ideal ones. The variation in response completeness indicated differing levels of engagement or knowledge across directorates. While additional measures are necessary for a full assessment, the data from the questionnaire confirm that the university's administration is progressing in addressing these challenges. 

• Strategic Planning Management 2023-2038

The Institutional Research Centre (IRC) developed the Strategic Planning Management 2023-2038 guidebook to define the University of Duhok’s strategic roadmap for the next 15 years. This document builds on the foundational work of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SCSP), which established the university's vision, mission, and values. It details the methodology for deriving goals and objectives, along with the procedures, policies, and guidelines to support the strategic process. The guidebook aims to prepare university leaders, administrators, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and tools needed to manage strategic initiatives effectively, fostering the university’s mission to excel in higher education, research, and innovation for societal impact. 

• Enhancement of Digital Infrastructure Project (EDIP)

The Enhancement of Digital Infrastructure Project (EDIP) was proposed by the Institutional Research Centre (IRC) as a strategic initiative of the UoD’s strategic plan to lay the groundwork for the University of Duhok’s digital transformation. This project focuses on strengthening IT infrastructure and adopting effective management practices to integrate technology seamlessly across university operations. Key objectives include conducting a thorough IT equipment survey, implementing a coding system for asset tracking, establishing comprehensive IT governance procedures, optimising IT distribution, and creating a strategic IT roadmap and upgrade plan. These steps are designed to enhance digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and foster interactive learning environments. Achieving these initial objectives will position UoD to advance its strategic goals, supporting innovation, collaboration, and efficient operations that benefit the entire university community. 

• Implementation of the Bologna Process Project (IBPP)

The Implementation of the Bologna Process Project (IBPP) was launched by the Institutional Research Centre (IRC) to enhance the quality assurance framework at the University of Duhok. The project aims to align academic programs and services with international standards by integrating the principles of the Bologna Process and the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG). This initiative supports strategic goals 7, 8, and 9 of the university’s strategic plan by facilitating international accreditation and recognition, improving academic programs, and establishing a robust quality assurance system. The IBPP seeks to bolster the university’s global reputation, foster collaborative partnerships, and promote student success through comprehensive program reviews and continuous feedback. By adopting the Bologna Process, UoD strengthens its commitment to high academic standards and positions itself as an internationally recognised institution dedicated to quality education.

• University Administration Improvement Project (UAIP)

The University Administration Improvement Project (UAIP), led by the Institutional Research Centre (IRC), is a key initiative aimed at modernising and enhancing the administrative framework at the University of Duhok. This project focuses on establishing standardised procedures, policies, and well-defined administrative structures to promote operational efficiency and clarity. UAIP seeks to provide clear job titles and comprehensive job descriptions for staff, improving role transparency and productivity. It also emphasises data ownership within administrative units to foster accountability and secure information management. Additionally, UAIP introduces a robust self-assessment process to ensure continuous evaluation and improvement of administrative functions. The project aims to formalise bilateral relations among university units, reinforcing interconnected processes for seamless coordination. By implementing these reforms, UAIP aspires to elevate the university’s administrative capabilities, benefiting students, faculty, and the wider community.

• Green, Walkable Campus Development Project (GWCD)

The Green, Walkable Campus Development Project (GWCD) aims to fulfil the University of Duhok’s mission to build a sustainable, accessible campus that fosters interactive learning. This project, derived from the fourth mission statement, seeks to achieve three strategic goals: promoting sustainable campus development (Goal 10), enhancing campus walkability and accessibility (Goal 11), and cultivating an engaging learning environment (Goal 12). The project addresses the lack of comprehensive policies and infrastructure that currently hinder environmental stewardship and campus accessibility. By implementing sustainable practices, building pedestrian pathways, improving accessibility features, and integrating renewable energy, GWCD will bridge the gap between strategic goals and the current campus status. Additionally, initiatives will promote waste reduction, outdoor learning spaces, and digital enhancements, creating a cohesive strategy to empower the university community and move towards a greener, innovative campus environment.

• Framework for UoD’s Internal Quality Assurance System

This study addresses the challenges faced by the University of Duhok (UoD) in establishing an effective Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) system, focusing on misconceptions between internal and external QA processes, stakeholder roles, and the alignment with government regulations. By identifying these challenges, the study proposes a strategic solution for implementing an IQA system that adheres to both national standards and international benchmarks like the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG). The proposed solution is crucial for UoD’s long-term educational quality improvement, enhancing its academic credibility, and fostering greater engagement with stakeholders. Ultimately, the study aims to strengthen UoD’s internal quality assurance framework, ensuring compliance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

• Institutional Research and Planning (DIRP)

This study highlights the necessity of transitioning the University of Duhok’s Institutional Research Centre (IRC) into the Directorate of Institutional Research and Planning (DIRPE). The primary purpose is to bolster strategic decision-making through enhanced planning and coordination. By renaming and restructuring, the DIRPE aims to address current challenges such as limited collaboration, outdated processes, and incomplete reporting. It would provide comprehensive data analysis and foster evidence-based decision-making, improving overall efficiency and productivity. This transition supports the university’s strategic planning and strengthens its capacity to meet accreditation standards by offering more thorough reporting and aligning institutional practices with regulatory expectations. 

• Feasibility Study for Steering Committee of Research Centers at UoD

This proposal examines the feasibility of establishing a steering committee for the research centres at the University of Duhok (UOD). Over the past decades, UOD has developed 13 centres aimed at advancing research, teaching, service, and outreach. To enhance governance, it is proposed that these centres be categorised into service and research centres, with a steering committee overseeing the latter. The proposal outlines the identification process for these centres and the steps for forming the committee. This division and governance structure would align the centres with UOD’s mission and strategic plan, ensuring they are effectively managed to meet their objectives and contribute meaningfully to the university’s development.

• Master's Program Proposal in Institutional Effectiveness

The proposed Master's degree in "Educational Institution Effectiveness" aims to fill a significant gap in the workforce and align with the strategic vision of the Kurdistan Region's government. This program is designed to develop highly skilled leaders who specialise in quality assurance, strategic planning, and accreditation, equipping them with the ability to lead improvement projects within educational institutions. By fostering data-driven decision-making, the program prepares graduates to collect and analyse institutional data to inform strategies and enhance educational outcomes. Additionally, it incorporates the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) to promote sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that educational institutions can thrive while making a positive societal impact. This initiative addresses the region's need for trained professionals who can drive reform and elevate the quality of higher education. 

• University Building Management System (UBMS) Project Proposal

The Development of the University Building Management System (UBMS) project is designed to modernise the management of university buildings and facilities. This initiative addresses the inefficiencies of current manual processes by implementing a centralised system that uses advanced technologies to streamline facility management, maintenance, and security operations. The UBMS will facilitate real-time monitoring, preventive maintenance scheduling, and optimised space utilisation, alongside integrated security measures and energy-efficient practices. Expected outcomes include enhanced operational efficiency, significant cost savings through proactive maintenance and energy optimisation, and an improved campus experience for faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, the system will support data-driven decision-making by providing real-time data insights and will contribute to sustainability efforts, promoting an environmentally responsible university infrastructure. This project underscores a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure management, enhancing the university’s capacity for learning, research, and collaboration. 

• Guidelines for the transfer and rehabilitation of the central library to a new director.

In April 23, 2022, the Institutional Research Centre (IRC) at the University of Duhok developed comprehensive guidelines to support the seamless transition of leadership at the central library. These guidelines aimed to assist the new director in managing the transfer of responsibilities effectively and to initiate a systematic approach to library reform under new leadership. Although these guidelines were formally adopted, the IRC's primary objective was to integrate itself into the library’s reform process, ensuring a structured and trategic leadership transition. 

• UoD management system  proposal.

On June 24, 2022, IRC prepared a document outlining the technical and functional requirements for acquiring or developing an integrated university management system. Such systems are essential for connecting academic and financial operations. The document highlights two main approaches: purchasing a tested, pre-developed system adapted to the university’s needs or partnering with a development company to create a custom system. Experience has shown that adopting an existing, proven system is more effective due to its refined, field-tested features. The document also emphasises the importance of defining the academic framework—including semesters, exams, and evaluation systems—prior to implementation, as ongoing modifications can be costly and disrupt data stability. 

• Statistical Analysis Report—Colleg of Medicine

The "Statistical Analysing Report-College of Medicine" emphasises the need for structured data analysis in Kurdistan's universities, particularly at the College of Medicine, to support quality assurance and accreditation processes. The Ministry of Higher Education (MHE) requires data submission twice per academic year, though universities often lack an understanding of its impact. The report serves as a foundation for Self-Assessment Reports (SARs) and strategic planning. Challenges include incomplete data, unclear data ownership, and outdated asset tracking, which affect comprehensive analysis and continuous improvement. The report points to issues needing further investigation, such as staff promotion policies, workload guidelines, and hiring procedures. The Institutional Research Centre (IRC) is tasked with training and KPI development. The analysis of this report is based on data from the first semester of 2021-2022, covering academic and administrative personnel, students, and other resources. 

• Inventory Project (IP)

The "Inventory Project (IP)" addresses challenges in managing the University of Duhok's (UOD) inventory system, particularly within the Internal Department. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive reform across all inventory branches, coordinated as a unified system with clearly defined operational protocols. The project’s primary goals include classifying inventory into consumed and long-term categories, establishing branches based on geographic or specialized criteria, implementing a coding system, defining current inventory by warehouse and academic unit assets, adopting an inventory management system, and developing relevant policies, procedures, work instructions, and forms for effective asset and warehouse management.